China Greenlights Rare Earth Exports to Japan Post-Regulation

Economy | February 7, 2026
China Japan Rare Earth Minerals Trade Export Regulation Global Economy

Following new regulations, China has granted export permissions to Japan for the crucially-needed rare earth elements. These minerals, critical to tech industries, have seen a tightened control from the Chinese government. Although this move initially resulted in apprehension among international trade partners, Japan's receipt of the export permit highlights a maintained trade relationship between the two nations.

In Japan, rare earth minerals were a topic of major concern due to their pivotal role in the country's booming tech industry. The new regulation from China, which controls most of the world's supply, ignited fears of a potential shortage, impacting both economic and industrial growth. This development is seen as a relief and confirms the ongoing trade ties between the two Asian economies.

Similar to Japan, the USA and EU are heavily reliant on China for rare earth minerals. However, there is ongoing research in these regions to find alternate sources or reduce dependency on these minerals due to the geopolitical implications attached to their control. Uncertainties around export regulation have posed similar worries to these nations as well.

Information for Your Country

For those outside Japan, links to articles discussing the global impact of China's Rare Earth regulations would be beneficial. Services that track global trade, such as the World Trade Organization's database, would help monitor such export permissions.